Solar attic fans are considered energy efficient for several reasons:
1. Renewable Energy Source:
- Solar Power: Solar attic fans use energy from the sun, which is a renewable and free energy source. They do not rely on your home’s electricity, reducing your overall energy consumption.
2. Reduced Energy Costs:
- Lower Electricity Bills: By using solar power to ventilate your attic, you can lower your reliance on electrical cooling systems. This can reduce your energy bills, especially during hot weather when attic ventilation is crucial.
3. Improved Attic Ventilation:
- Enhanced Airflow: Proper attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels in the attic. By improving airflow, solar attic fans help reduce the workload on your home’s cooling system, leading to potential energy savings.
4. No Operating Costs:
- Zero Operating Costs: Once installed, solar attic fans have no operating costs because they are powered by solar energy. This contrasts with electric attic fans that add to your electricity bill.
5. Environmentally Friendly:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Using solar energy reduces your carbon footprint compared to using electricity generated from fossil fuels. This contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly home.
6. Minimal Maintenance:
- Low Maintenance: Solar attic fans require minimal maintenance. They generally have no moving parts that require frequent repairs or replacements, contributing to their efficiency and longevity.
7. Energy Savings Over Time:
- Long-Term Savings: Although the initial cost of installing a solar attic fan may be higher than traditional electric fans, the long-term savings on energy bills and the lack of operating costs can make them a cost-effective choice over time.
8. Increased Home Comfort:
- Improved Comfort: By keeping your attic cooler, solar attic fans help maintain a more stable and comfortable temperature in your home, potentially reducing the strain on your air conditioning system.
Overall, solar attic fans offer an energy-efficient solution for attic ventilation, contributing to both cost savings and environmental benefits. They are particularly effective in sunny regions where solar power is abundant.
Use our complete guide below to learn everything you need to know about solar attic fan installation.
Why Install A Solar Attic Fan?
So, why should you install a solar attic fan for your home? Here are the biggest reasons why homeowners are choosing to go solar.
Saves Money
Energy Star-rated solar fans qualify for a federal tax credit, equating to 30 percent of the purchase and installation costs. Typically, a fan will cost anywhere from $300-$600, not including installation. If your house measures more than 1,600 square feet, installing three fans is recommended. Homeowners will undoubtedly enjoy monthly savings after installation.
Solar Is Safer
Safety and effectiveness of solar attic fans are heavily debated throughout the industry. Studies do show, however, that line-powered fans will often cost more to operate than they generate in savings.
Line-powered fans have also been shown to create negative pressure zones, resulting in pulling gases from combustion appliances back to the house. This, unfortunately, includes carbon monoxide. Another benefit is that solar attic fans don’t cost anything after installation.
Cools Down Attic Area
Another pro in the solar attic fan checklist is the fact that these will cool down your attic area, considerably. Cooling down the attic will then translate to keeping the entire home cool. The more hot air that is kept out of the attic – the more hot air that is kept out of the home in general.
Solar attic fans are also known for keeping the attic space clear of any harmful dust or dirt. Keeping your home’s temperature low will help you save money on future cooling costs.
Less Expensive Than Full Ventilation Systems
Solar attic fans are typically less expensive and easier to install than full ventilation systems. These solar attic fans require less time and a much less invasive installation process.
Solar Attic Fan Benefits
Here are the advantages of having solar attic fans:
Run On Solar Energy
Because these fans are powered by the sun, they are considerably cheaper than most conventional fans. This means you will need no extra electricity from your home or business to power up these fans. Saving on electricity costs and helping the environment are just two reasons why solar attic fans are rising in popularity.
Cools Down Attic Area
Another pro in the solar attic fan checklist is the fact that these will cool down your attic area, considerably. Cooling down the attic will then translate to keeping the entire home cool. The more hot air that is kept out of the attic – the more hot air that is kept out of the home in general.
Solar attic fans are also known for keeping the attic space clear of any harmful dust or dirt. Keeping your home’s temperature low will help you save money on future cooling costs.
Less Expensive Than Full Ventilation Systems
Solar attic fans are typically less expensive and easier to install than full ventilation systems. These solar attic fans require less time and a much less invasive installation process.
Average Costs Of Solar Attic Fan Installation
On average, solar attic fan installation will cost $675. Any installation project will range in cost from $575-$775. For $150 per opening, exhaust fans can be added to existing fans.
Wall mounted solar attic fans will cost anywhere from $550-$770, with an average price of $660. This includes the price of installation.
Gable mounted fans are energy efficient and can be installed in existing vents. These fans cost $245 on average, according to FIXR. Roof mounted fans, meanwhile, cost an average of $275. These fans will be installed on the roof for optimum sunlight exposure.
According to HomeAdvisor, solar attic fans will cost anywhere from $200-$500. Yet, these fans will essentially cost nothing to operate. Anyone purchasing these fans may be able to qualify for a federal tax credit. Solar attic fans will never create any negative pressure zones or pull any hazardous gases from combustion appliances within the home.
AngiesList agrees, saying these fans will undoubtedly save home and business owners in energy costs for years.
How To Install A Solar Attic Fan
Installing a solar attic fan is a job that is best left to the professionals. However, if you choose to undergo this process yourself, follow this five-step guide for installation.
Step 1: Choosing The Right Solar Attic Fan
A solar attic fan needs to fit your home’s needs. Determine how large your fan should be. Typically, 10-watt, 20-watt or 30-watt fans work best depending on how large your home is. For optimal results, the experts recommend you choose a solar panel with double the output required by the fan in use.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Attic’s Ventilation
The solar attic fan you install will take the hot air out of your attic. So, what is going to replace that hot air? Typically, most lofts have ventilation points that can be found at the eaves of your roof. You will find these located in the bottom corner of the roof.
Before installing the fan, make sure the attic has the proper ventilation to take in cool air after hot air is transferred outwards.
Step 3: Solar Attic Fans Needs To Be Grounded
Remember, your solar attic fan contains metal and it will be placed on your roof. You need to be protected against potential lightning strikes. So, how can you protect the area? The solar attic fan needs to be grounded.
It should contain a grounding wire to ensure a correct connection. This step is very important in the installation process.
Step 4: Seal Attic Off From Your House
One complaint about solar attic fans is that it will draw up cool air and increase the workload on your home’s cooling system. To prevent this from occurring, you need to make sure there is an airtight barrier between the attic and home. Check the seal on your attic to ensure it is, in fact, airtight.
Step 5: Place The Fan On The Roof
It’s very important to pick the right spot on the roof for placement of the fan. Typically, solar panels pointing south will receive the most sunlight. Place the fan on a south-facing slope of the roof, if possible. If this is not possible, it’s suggested to purchase fans with tiltable solar panels. This will give you the flexibility to point the panels southward.
Should I Hire A Professional For Solar Attic Fan Installation?
If you are looking for professional solar attic fan installation in Arizona, then contact Elite Home Daylighting Systems today! Our company offers 10-watt, 20-watt and 30-watt solar attic fan installation services across the valley of the sun.
Whether you need commercial or residential installations, Elite Home Daylighting Systems can cater to your needs. With more than two decades of industry experience, you can trust our quality products and services. Call us for a free estimate!
Solar Attic Fan Installation In The East Valley AZ
Elite Home Daylighting Systems offers tubular skylights and solar attic fan installation services to the entire Phoenix east valley. Service area includes Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe & more! Contact us for a free quote today!
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